§ Mrs. Maureen HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many extra police posts were authorised throughout the United Kingdom(a) between 1974 and 1979 and (b) 1979 to date.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. Friend is responsible only for the police service in England and Wales. Between February 1974 and April 1979 the authorised establishment of the police service in England and Wales rose by 5,809. Since the Government took office in May 1979 the establishment of the police service has increased by 8,687 and my right hon. Friend has recently announced a further increase of 700 police posts to be implemented during 1991–92.